Bill Text: TX HR70 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Enrolled

Texas House Resolution 70 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: In memory of Herbert David Kelleher, cofounder of Southwest Airlines.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2019-03-11 - Reported enrolled [HR70 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HR70-Enrolled.html



	H.R. No. 70



	R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, Herbert David Kelleher, cofounder of Southwest
	Airlines and a legendary figure in the American aviation industry,
	passed away on January 3, 2019, at the age of 87; and
	WHEREAS, The son of Harry and Ruth Kelleher and the youngest
	of four children, Herb Kelleher was born in Camden, New Jersey, on
	March 12, 1931; he attended Wesleyan University and New York
	University, where he obtained his law degree, and then moved to
	Texas in 1962; in 1967, he joined forces with his friend and client
	Rollin King to incorporate the company that would become Southwest
	Airlines, which he served as general counsel, then as chairman,
	before taking the reins as president and CEO in 1981; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Kelleher was a pioneer in adopting practices
	never before seen in the industry, which established Southwest
	Airlines as a titan among U.S. carriers and inspired a wave of
	imitators of its affordable, no-frills model of air travel; his
	business savvy and creativity helped Southwest remain profitable
	for 45 straight years even as rival carriers staggered, and he
	oversaw its expansion beyond the Texas triangle of Dallas, Houston,
	and San Antonio to destinations throughout the country and beyond;
	and
	WHEREAS, Famous for his energy and humor, Mr. Kelleher
	embraced his role as the face of Southwest, even starring in
	television commercials and other promotions; he felt strongly that
	business success hinges on the happiness of workers, and he took
	care to provide his workforce with personal attention and freedom
	to express their individuality, while also supporting them with
	such benefits as the industry's first employee profit-sharing
	program; celebrated for its employee- and customer-centric
	corporate culture, Southwest continues to top lists of the best
	employers in the nation; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Kelleher retired as president and CEO in 2001
	and as chairman in 2008, but remained active in the company and
	retained his office at Southwest's Love Field headquarters in
	Dallas; he also served his community in various roles, including as
	chairman of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from
	2011 to 2014; and
	WHEREAS, For more than 60 years, Mr. Kelleher shared his life
	with his wife, Joan Kelleher; he was the proud father of four
	children, Julie, Michael, Ruth, and David, and he was also
	cherished by numerous grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, The legacy of Herb Kelleher looms large in the world
	of air travel, where he demonstrated the vast potential for success
	of a company based around shrewd business sense, nonconformity, and
	respect and dignity for workers at all levels, and he will be
	remembered with deep and lasting admiration by all who were
	fortunate enough to call him a friend; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
	Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Herbert David
	Kelleher and extend heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones and those
	who join them in mourning his passing; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
	Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Herbert
	David Kelleher.

	Anchia
	Davis of Dallas
	Leach
	Turner of Dallas
	Meyer

	______________________________
	Speaker of the House

	I certify that H.R. No. 70 was unanimously adopted by a rising
	vote of the House on March 6, 2019.

	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House